The entity has reported “attempts at fraud where, through phone calls, emails, or messages, primarily in English, perpetrators pose as representatives of entities allegedly managing investments in crypto-assets or offering to aid in the recovery of crypto-assets supposedly held by the victim.”
According to the BdP, the scammer “addresses the victim by name,” seeking to reinforce “the appearance of legitimacy of the contact,” informing them “that they have a digital wallet in their name with a positive balance, in an inactive state, which would imply the loss of the funds allegedly therein.”
The information provided states that “to reactivate the wallet and supposedly recover the funds invested in crypto-assets, the victim is induced to make payments,” and the perpetrator might also “provide access to an online platform where the victim can view the fictitious balance of their digital wallet.”
On this platform, it was noted, “the balance’s evolution might appear to appreciate the wallet, leading the victim to make further payments, seeking high returns.”
BdP warned about the likelihood that “the person responsible for these contacts does not represent any crypto-asset wallet management entity” and that both the digital wallet and the online platform offered “are fictitious.”
“Therefore, in these situations, do not make payments for the reactivation or reinforcement of digital crypto-asset wallets,” advised the institution.
“If you suspect you may have been a fraud victim, inform the competent criminal police authorities (PSP, GNR, or PJ) or the Public Prosecutor’s Office,” it concluded.
ALN // EA
Lusa/End
